Workshops on how others do it 1 st Session

Facilitating loving relationships for people with learning disabilities Melanie Shad, Regional Director Natasha Theobald, Head of Marketing Carr-Gomm

Introduction Developing a project to meet clients’ aspirations for relationships Project planning Clients’ training Rolling out this approach Learning points and recommendations Supporting service users to develop lasting and loving relationships

National charity and RSL 42 years’ experience of offering housing and support to disadvantaged people Individual at the heart of support planning Strong commitment to client involvement Aim to include people’s needs & desires into the policy and legislative frameworks within which we work Introducing Carr-Gomm

We introduced Person Centred Planning (PCP) into our support planning PCP is a process to identify abilities, goals and dreams: use these to develop a plan Outcome is a plan owned by the individual that addresses their needs and aspirations Carr-Gomm’s approach to support

Feedback from clients using PCP is they want 3 things from life: 1.Somewhere to live 2.Something to do 3.Someone to share life with What people want

1 and 2 met by government agenda and statutory sector Loving relationships not seen as fundamental to support or housing services BUT: this is what people said they wanted How could we support people to achieve this? Part of our mission and founding principles Strong, loving relationships are integral to personal strength and confidence Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships

With funding from Esmee Fairbairn and Northern Rock Foundations we developed a plan to: Survey clients about relationships Develop courses to build people’s confidence and self-esteem Create opportunities for people to test out social skills Report on what we found and how we did it Guide staff on how to do this Meeting aspirations for loving and lasting relationships

Client survey identified a clear need for support Confidence: key issue 84% NOT in relationship 62% DON’T find it easy to meet people or have a relationship Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 1)

Loving & Lasting Relationships (phase 1) cont’d Barriers = lack of confidence and self- esteem, anxiety, safety, health, money Clients wanted help with confidence, social activities, appearance No chat rooms required! What clients said: “I feel left on the shelf and different to everyone else” “When you are single so long, you get no feelings” “I’ve had a terrible time on the streets. I’d love someone to share good times with”

Created self development courses Piloted approach at events Used events to gather feedback and refine approach Delivered 3 x 4-day training courses on communication, confidence, self image, relationship and dating Loving and lasting relationships project (phase 2)

Training courses - results Clients’ achievements: Lynn complained about poor service Steve put a personal ad in the local paper Natalie said no to abusive relationships John gained the courage to speak to a colleague 94% of clients enjoyed the course 83% said it increased their confidence 78% felt their assertiveness improved All felt good length of time to address their issues

Training doesn’t reach everyone so widen access by: –Offering courses nearer to people’s homes –Linking to PCP and ISP –Developing materials for clients – DVD, booklet –Offering opportunities to gain confidence and socialise –Info on clients’ website and other sites Rolling this out to all clients

Incorporate into policies and procedures Part of staff induction, job descriptions and training Guidance for mangers from the top Launch at Staff Day Information and guidance for clients –DVD, booklet, materials Guidance for staff on facilitating ‘chat time’ at meetings and events Implementing this approach across Carr-Gomm

Staff Clients Get staff on side: don’t over complicate or seem like another job to do! Integrate into existing structures and delivery of support Message: –We do this already –Part of our approach to support –Tools to make it easier Take the cue from them Make it a client driven campaign Tailor to each individual Use feedback to promote and encourage in the future

Confidence is critical Clients want support in different ways and at different times No chat rooms or dating agencies Some issues have always been there Training has huge impact - but embed into support plans to be effective It takes time to get it right We’re still learning and refining Learning points

Ask clients what they want and work with them to deliver the right thing Build on existing opportunities for social contact Integrate into work to show corporate commitment Trust building is key Manager’s role in making this happen Resources out there to help Recommendations

The last word “I have waited years for this course, I’ve benefited from it so much.” Over to you!